The myth I researched is that fingernails continue to grow after one is dead. Many people have seen or reported that corpses’ fingernails look longer after a few days or hours. The perception is a common one due to a natural effect that gives the observer the idea that the nails are growing. One of the reasons why this myth is even around is because of Erich Remarque’s popular book, All Quiet on the Western Front, in which the narrator describes the nails of his dead friend twisting into corkscrew like shapes.
The perception that fingernails grow after death is caused by dehydration( loss of water). As the body dehydrates, the skin pulls back around the nail folds, revealing part of the hidden nail and causing the illusion that the nail actually grew. The same effect happens to hair on the body. The skin dries up, revealing the roots of the hair and making it look longer. Many funeral homes fix this problem by using substances to keep the skin moist. For hair and nails to grow, there needs to be hormonal regulation and also a blood supply for the hair follicles. For an informanitive video on the subject watch:
http://www.healthguru.com/content/video/watch/102074/Do_Hair_And_Fingernails_Grow_After_Death
Citing:
www.snopes.com/science/nailgrow.asp
www.newscientist.com/.../mg19426072.500-life-after-death.html
http://anatomyphysiology.suite101.com/article.cfm/do_hair_and_nails_continue_to_grow_after_death
Great Job! I think it's interesting how this myth even appears in famous literature. I will remember this when I read "All Quiet on the
ReplyDeleteWestern Front".
Nice Job! I have even heard myths that say that your brain continues to function to a limit after you die.
ReplyDeleteDeano.
Wow! I took great pleasure in reading over the research you put in to writing this blog. You took an interesting topic, and made it even more captivating. Great work.
ReplyDeleteRaul Carvalho
Cool. I never thought that the dehydration of the skin would cause that, but it makes sense. Good job.
ReplyDeleteNice blog, kinda digusting but you did explain it well
ReplyDeleteYou did a nice job explaining the backround of your myth and presenting how people could have the perception that fingernails grow after death. Great job.
ReplyDeleteWell-written. The picture is pretty disgusting but it fits the subject well.
ReplyDeleteNick
Nice job. That myth is pretty weird, and your picture goes really well with your research even though it's nasty.
ReplyDeletethis was very informative, but the picture was gross. I did learn a lot though, and it was very understandable too.
ReplyDelete